Local

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

You see, the phrase “United We Stand… Divided We Fall” has a lot of truth and merit to it! Christ gave us even greater insight when He said in [Matthew 12:25] a house divided, a city divided and a nation divided cannot stand. The reality is that God shows us a powerful principle concerning this truth. It is found in [Genesis 11:6] concerning the Tower of Babel. God said because of their “Unity” there was nothing they couldn’t accomplish if they put their minds to it. Now, if these were ungodly people without the prophetic purpose of God at heart, what could this mean to a people fulfilling the call of God on their lives and pursuing the purposes of God’s Kingdom. Ahh!

Unity a wonderful word, but requires deliberate action. That’s why I appeal to you today as Paul did in [1 Corinthians 1:10] when he said, “let us all agree with one another in what we say and that there be no divisions among us, but that we be perfectly united in mind and thought.” Paul exhort us to unite and conquer by majoring on the majors. You see, when we walk in unity we can accomplish supernatural achievements. We can walk on Water together. It’s a beautiful and powerful thing.

Unity: being one; combining into one; something that is whole; harmony [Psalm 133]. It is only when we come together in one mind and one accord in Jesus that we will have power and will be able to move in Spirit and Truth toward using our spiritual authority that God gave us—that same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.  Unity the key to seeing souls saved… Unity the key to living in the Power of God… Unity the key to being used by God…

Let’s make the right choice based on an understanding of truth. Disunity causes great threat to our survival as a people. Without unity everything begins to crumble, becomes weakened, paralyzed, and ineffective. We are called to divide and conquer. This will only happen when we major on the majors, “We as a people.” We must be unified. We must strive and remain as one. There is Power in Unity!

Black History Month!  “All For One and One For All”.

Construction-General Assembler-Door Assembly needed – in San Bernardino, CA. $11.50-$12.50/hr.  Call (951) 823-0023

Bus Servicer needed – in Perris, CA. Call Mike (909) 636-6462

Material Handler-General Labor-Production needed – in Moreno Valley, CA. Call (951) 823-0023

Shop Labor needed – in Murrieta, CA. Apply in person 41205 Golden Gate Circle, Murrieta, CA 92562

General Service Tech/Tire Installer needed – in Woodcrest, Riverside, CA. Call Martha (951) 425-4100

Detailer needed – in Ontario, CA. Call Rod Gallagher (714) 809-0653

Freight Handler-3^rd shift needed – in Fontana, CA. Call (877) 246-2855

Inventory Lead Associate needed – in Redlands, CA. Call (909) 328-4022

Necesitamos Personal Para Trabajar – in Ontario, CA. Call Miguel (951) 202-8131

Experienced EPJ Operators needed – in Riverside, CA. Call Mayra or Rhonda (909) 346-2008

Analytical Industries, Inc. – is seeking an Assembly Line Production Worker in Pomona, CA. $12.00-$12.50/hr.  indeed.com

Humano, LLC – is seeking a Warehouse Freight Handler/Palletizer in Fontana, CA. $11.50-$16.50/hr.  indeed.com

P. Richards – is seeking a Warehouse Associate/Order Filler (F/T) in Mira Loma, CA. $12.95/hr.  www.indeed.com

Industrial Metal Supply – is seeking a 1^st shift Material Handler-Puller Cutter in Riverside, CA. $14.00/hr.  indeed.com

Living Spaces – is seeking an Order Picker in Rialto, CA. indeed.com

Pauley Construction, LLC – is seeking a Material Handler in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Ryder – is seeking a Material Handler I in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Western Metal Service – is seeking a Production Worker/Helper in Bloomington, CA. indeed.com

DHL Supply Chain – is seeking a Pallet Jack Operators in Ontario, CA. $14.35/hr.  indeed.com

Manpower – is seeking an Inspector/Packer in Ontario, CA. $13.00/hr.  indeed.com

A & R Tarpaulins – is seeking a Production Laborer-Entry Level in Fontana, CA. $11.00-$11.95/hr.  indeed.com

P & E Construction, Inc. – is seeking a Driver/Stocker in Orange, CA. indeed.com

ABC Supply Co., Inc. – is seeking a Delivery Material Handler/Roof Loader in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

JHD Corporation – is seeking a Purchasing Assistant in Ontario, CA. $13.00-$18.00/hr.  indeed.com

Eye Ojo Corporation – is seeking a Packaging Graphic Designer in Ontario, CA. $15.00/hr.  indeed.com

Goodwill Industries of Southern California – is seeking a Material Handler I in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

GEODIS – is seeking a Material Handler in Rialto, CA. indeed.com

RTE Welding & Quality Tank Repair – is seeking a Parts Delivery Driver/Receiving Clerk in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Select Staffing – is seeking a Material Handler in Mira Loma, CA. $13.10/hr.  indeed.com

Manpower – is seeking a Product Handler in Irvine, CA. $13.00-$14.00/hr.  indeed.com

TW Services – is seeking an Order Selector in Fontana, CA. $14.00/hr.  indeed.com

Finish Master – is seeking a Distribution Center Order Selector in Mira Loma, CA. indeed.com

Novolex – is seeking a Packer Inspector in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

TST, Inc. – is seeking a Shipping/Receiving Worker in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Greenpath Recovery, Inc. – is seeking a Logistics Coordinator in Colton, CA. indeed.com

Heydude Shoes-Wewood Watches – is seeking a Planner in San Bernardino, CA. $17.00/hr.  indeed.com

Le Saint Logistics – is seeking an Inventory Control Clerk in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Redneck Trailer Supplies – is seeking a Material Handler/Warehouse in Jurupa, CA. indeed.com

Loyalty Business Center – is seeking a General Laborer in Riverside, CA. $12.00/hr.  indeed.com

Select Staffing – is seeking a Material Handler for Distribution in Mira Loma, CA. $12.60/hr.  indeed.com

Simpson Strong Tie – is seeking a Production Worker-Autos in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Aquamar – is seeking a Warehouse Clerk (Bilingual) in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $11.00-$14.00/hr.  indeed.com

Drive De Vilbiss Healthcare – is seeking a Shipping Clerk in Rialto, CA. $11.50/hr.  indeed.com

Great Hire, Inc. – is seeking an Order Picker in Fontana, CA. $11.50/hr.  indeed.com

Murtech Consulting – is seeking a Material Handler in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Bob’s Discount Furniture – is seeking a Shipping-Picker in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com

Kindred Healthcare – is seeking a Food Service Aide-Handler (P/T) Days in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Christie Digital – is seeking a Picker/Packer in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Unis Logistics – is seeking a DC Manager in the Inland Empire, CA. indeed.com

Niagara Bottling Co. – is seeking a Receiving Associate in Rialto, CA. indeed.com

ArdentMills – is seeking a Packing and Shipping Worker in Colton, CA. indeed.com

Southland Employment Services, Inc. – is seeking a Material Handler in Commerce, CA. $13.00-$15.00/hr.  indeed.com

Packer Sanitation Services, Inc. – is seeking a Laborer (Hourly) in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

SunNest Services, LLC – is seeking a Shipping Clerk in Redlands, CA. $12.00/hr.  indeed.com

First Rate Staffing – is seeking a Material Handler in San Bernardino, CA. $12.00/hr.  indeed.com

Aman Garage Doors – is seeking a Warehouse/Back-up Driver in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $15.50-$17.50/hr.  indeed.com

WorkForce Enterprises – is seeking a Pick and Pack Worker in Fontana, CA. $11.00-$11.50/hr.  indeed.com

York Employment Services, Inc. – is seeking a Loader/Order Selector in Mira Loma, CA. $14.00/hr.  indeed.com

Big & Tall of DC – is seeking a Shipping/Warehouse Associate in Yorba Linda, CA. $11.50-$12.50/hr.  indeed.com

Fed Ex Express – is seeking a Material Handler in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

York Employment – is seeking an Order Selector in Mira Loma, CA. $12.00-$13.00/hr.  indeed.com

VWR International, LLC – is seeking a Warehouse Associate in Claremont, CA. indeed.com

Associate Direct Services, LLC – is seeking 3^rd shift Packers/Empacadoreos in Industry, CA. $11.50-$11.75/hr.  indeed.com

Villarreal Construction – is seeking a General Laborer in Riverside, CA. $100.00-$150.00/day.  indeed.com

Staff Right Solutions – is seeking a General Laborer in Riverside, CA. $11.00-$12.00/hr.  indeed.com

Hulcher Services, Inc. – is seeking a Skilled Laborer in Colton, CA. $18.77/hr.  indeed.com

Army and Air Force Exchange Services – is seeking a Warehouse Worker in March AFB, CA. $13.19-$15.39/hr.  indeed.com

Penske – is seeking a Recruiting Assistant in Corona, CA. indeed.com

 

Polyair – is seeking a Warehouse Associate in Corona, CA. indeed.com

DSV – is seeking a Customer Service Rep in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Allied – is seeking a Receptionist/Administrative Assistant in Upland, CA. indeed.com

Judicial Council of California – is seeking a Deputy Clerk in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

San Bernardino County – is seeking a Senior Board Services Specialist in San Bernardino, CA. $17.75-$23.55/hr.  indeed.com

YRC Freight – is seeking a Casual Clerk in Bloomington, CA. indeed.com

Learn 4 Life – is seeking a Registrar in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

East Valley Community Health Center – is seeking a Customer Service Rep-Reception in Pomona, CA. indeed.com

Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling – is seeking a Warehouse Inventory Control Assistant in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Ponce Ground Services, LLC – is seeking a Front Desk Receptionist in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $12.00/hr.  indeed.com

Estes West–Division of Estes – is seeking a Terminal Clark III in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

JHD Corporation – is seeking a Purchasing Assistant in Ontario, CA. $13.00-$18.00/hr.  indeed.com

Judicial Council of California – is seeking an Assistant Deputy Clerk I, II, III in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

XPo Logistics – is seeking a Customer Service Rep (F/T) in Fontana, CA. $17.93/hr.  indeed.com

Career Strategies – is seeking a Leasing Consultant in the Inland Empire, CA. $11.00-$15.00/hr.  indeed.com

No Contract VoIP – is seeking a Telecommunications Office Assistant in Upland, CA. indeed.com

Goodwill Industries – is seeking a Job Coach (P/T) in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com

United Way – is seeking a Veterans Specialist in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

San Antonio Regional Hospital – is seeking a Patient Access Rep in Upland, CA. indeed.com

Monoprice – is seeking a Recruiter in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $60,000.00-$75,000.00k/yr.  indeed.com

CSPC Healthcare, Inc. – is seeking a Customer Service Rep/Assistant in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Arrowhead Orthopaedics – is seeking a Therapy Front Desk Rep in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Sedgwick Claims Management Services – is seeking a Claims Assistant-Entry Level in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Joseph Cory Holdings, LLC – is seeking an Assistant Delivery Coordinator in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com

Babcock Labs, Inc. – is seeking an Administrative Assistant in Riverside, CA. $12.00-$14.00/hr.  indeed.com

M Squared Safety, LLC – is seeking an Administrative Support Assistant in Mission Viejo, CA. $12.00-$15.00/hr.  indeed.com

Providence Speech and Hearing Center – is seeking a Patient Care Coordinator-Audiology in Mission Viejo, CA. $15.00-$16.00/hr.  indeed.com

Bio Protech USA – is seeking an Administrative Sales Assistant in Chino, CA. $14.00-$15.00/hr.  indeed.com

Clear Cloud Solutions, Inc. – is seeking an Administrative Assistant in Pomona, CA. $15.00-$25.00/hr.  indeed.com

Associated Student, Inc. – is seeking a Human Resources Project Assistant in Pomona, CA. $30,703.00-$37,500.00k/yr.  indeed.com

DALIX – is seeking an Administrative Support I in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $11.00-$13.00/hr.  indeed.com

Rusnak Auto Group – is seeking a Cashier in Loma Linda, CA. indeed.com

Integrated Care Communities – is seeking an Executive Secretary/Personal Assistant in Moreno Valley, CA. $14.00-$17.00/hr.  indeed.com

ICI Services Corporation – is seeking a Warehouse Specialist in Corona, CA. indeed.com

LA Fitness – is seeking a Front Desk Staff in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com

Pacific Hospice – is seeking a Volunteer with Hospice in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com

Penske – is seeking a Recruiting Assistant in Corona, CA. indeed.com

PLS – is seeking a Graphic Designer in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Pacific Dermatology Institute – is seeking a Bilingual Front Office Medical Receptionist in the Inland Empire, CA. indeed.com

Covina Valley Management, Inc. – Citrus Diagnostics – is seeking a Medical Receptionist in Glendora, CA. $14.60/hr.  indeed.com

Ajilon – is seeking an Export Clerk in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $14.00-$16.00/hr.  indeed.com

Loma Linda University Medical Center – is seeking a Unit Secretary in Loma Linda, CA. indeed.com

Pinnacle Hotels USA – is seeking a Concierge in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Rusnak Auto Group – is seeking a Warranty Clerk/Office Assistant in Loma Linda, CA. indeed.com

San Manuel Casino – is seeking a PBX Operator in Highland, CA. indeed.com

American Solar Advantage – is seeking a Project Coordinator/Administrative Assistant in Chino, CA. $12.00/hr.  indeed.com

US Bank – is seeking an Administrative Assistant in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

San Bernardino County – is seeking a Health Information Coding Supervisor in Colton, CA. $25.76-$35.41/hr.  indeed.com

Staffing Network QPA – is seeking an Accounts Receivable Clerk in Ontario, CA. $15.00-$16.00/hr.  indeed.com

Road Dog Crew – is seeking a Warehouse Clerk in Corona, CA. $14.00/hr.  indeed.com

Konnect Resources – is seeking a Data Entry Clerk (Temp) in Corona, CA. $12.00-$14.00/hr.  indeed.com

LANI – is seeking a Medical Records Coder in Riverside, CA. $17.99-$29.63/hr.  indeed.com

San Antonio Regional Hospital – is seeking a Pharmacy Tech in Upland, CA. indeed.com

YRC Freight – is seeking a Supervisor-Freight (P/T) in Bloomington, CA. indeed.com

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton – is seeking a Night Auditor/Front Desk Agent in Chino Hills, CA. indeed.com

ABI Document Support Services – is seeking an Order Entry Specialist I in Loma Linda, CA. indeed.com

Pitney Bowes – is seeking an Operations Administrative Assistant 2^nd shift in Corona, CA. indeed.com

TELECU Residential Management – is seeking a Resident Service Coordinator in San Bernardino, CA. $47,476.00k/yr.  indeed.com

The Villalobos Group – is seeking an Office Assistant in Riverside, CA. $15.00/hr.  indeed.com

Symons Ambulance – is seeking a Medical Records Clerk in San Bernardino, CA. $10.00/hr.  indeed.com

CorVel Corporation – is seeking a Lien Unit Administrative Assistant in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Loma Linda University Shared Services – is seeking an Office Clerk in Loma Linda, CA. indeed.com

Eco Fresh HVAC, Inc. – is seeking a Receptionist (F/T) in Anaheim, CA. indeed.com

This month, Macy’s celebrates Black History Month by welcoming a host of innovators in fashion, entertainment, art, music, literature and technology, who are pioneers in their industries. Innovation is one of the cornerstones of Black culture, helping to propel trends, widely influencing pop culture, and changing the face of history. From music to science, Black culture has created a wave of change that has helped drive the country to new heights. With innovation comes an extraordinary opportunity to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and make unprecedented waves.

This year, Macy’s special guests will discuss how they blazed their own paths and how the connection to their heritage helped inspire their success. Macy’s will also celebrate those making a difference and impacting their local communities, while helping to pave the way for future generations.

As part of Macy’s Black History Month celebrations, actress, writer and producer Issa Rae will appear at Macy’s Baldwin Hills in Los Angeles. Macy’s will also welcome Emmy-nominated actress and equal rights advocate, Laverne Cox, at Herald Square in New York City. Both will participate in moderated conversations about Black history, their inspirations and innovation in showbiz.

“These upcoming Black History events serve as wonderful opportunities for Macy’s to bring bold, ground-breaking Black innovators into our stores and to our communities,” said Kristyn Doar-Page, Macy’s vice president of Diversity & Inclusion Strategies. “As a retailer committed to celebrating trailblazers, Macy’s is thrilled to open a space where our community can engage with these artists as they share their life stories and inspirations.”

Issa Rae’s rise from web series creator to one of Hollywood’s It-girls is nothing less than remarkable. Rae’s content has garnered millions of views online and two Golden Globe® nominations for Best Actress for her hit show, HBO’s Insecure. Issa’s web series, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl was the recipient of the coveted Shorty Award for Best Web Show, and her first book, a collection of essays, is a New York Times Best Seller. Issa has graced the cover and pages of major national media outlets including Essence, The Hollywood Reporter, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, CNN, VOGUE and TIME with appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, The View, and more.

“I am excited to be working with Macy’s during Black History Month to celebrate those young and old whose innovation and talents are transforming American culture and making undeniable contributions to art and entertainment,” said Rae.

Laverne Cox is a two-time Emmy-nominated actress and Emmy-winning producer best known for her work on the critically acclaimed Netflix original series Orange Is The New Black, where she plays the groundbreaking role of Sophia Burset. Her work as an actress and advocate landed her on the cover of TIME magazine as well as two Emmy nominations, back-to-back SAG Awards for “Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series,” a Critic’s Choice nomination, and consecutive NAACP Image Award nominations. Cox is a renowned speaker and has taken her empowering message of moving beyond gender expectations to live more authentically all over the country. Her work as an advocate landed her a coveted spot as one of Glamour magazine’s 2014 Women of the Year. She is the recipient of the Dorian Rising Star Award, the Courage Award from the Anti-Violence Project, The Community Leader Award from the LGBT Center of New York City, was named one of The Grio’s 100 Most Influential African Americans, one of the Top 50 Trans Icons by the Huffington Post, one of Out magazine’s Out 100, was ranked number 5 on the 2014 Root 100 list and is a part of Ebony’s Power 100.

“I am grateful to be working with Macy’s during Black History Month to contribute to powerful conversations about the transformative work being done by young innovators,” said Cox. “There is never a better time to discuss the contributions made by the Black community, and what an inspiration it is to be among those fighting for change.”

At each of the Black History Month events, Macy’s customers will have an opportunity to meet and greet with event special guests. For additional information on Macy’s Black History Month festivities and special guests, please visit macys.com/celebrate.

Macy’s Black History Month events will be held at the following stores:

Macy’s Baldwin Hills (Los Angeles) – Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. with Issa Rae

Macy’s Culver City (Los Angeles) – Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m.

Entrepreneurship is becoming more relevant, especially among our youth. Youth are seeing the liquidity and benefits of being your own boss. Not only do you set your own hours, but you are in control of how much money you make. There’s no worrying about not working enough hours during the week to make what you made the following week or having your salary tapped to where you can’t make anymore more money, even if you did work an extra ten hours during the week.

However, although this sounds amazing because it is, the steps in starting and a maintaining a business can be quite difficult in the beginning stages. This is why programs, such as Black Ivy Financial Group were created; to assist and train youth on the tools that they need in order to succeed in their business.

Black Ivy Financial Group was founded by Bridgett Myrell. She and her team of experienced licensed professionals specialize in providing a series of financial literacy workshops for parents and students that incorporate the A-G requirements in Math, Language Arts, History, and Critical Thinking. They introduce the students to basic financial terms such as budgeting, debt management, saving and investing, college planning and how to be a savvy consumer.

BIFG was at the 3^rd Annual Black History Expo in san Bernardino on Saturday, February 3, where they trained a group of students in how to write a business plan and how to pitch that business plan in 60 seconds to potential investors.

For more information about the workshops or BIFG, please email Myrell at admin@blackuvyfg.com.

The “biggest fight of my life” Sheila C. Johnson once shared wasn’t co-founding Black Entertainment Television or ending her 33-year marriage to Robert “Bob” Johnson, with whom she raised two children and started a television network.

It was getting zoning, planning and other local government permits to open a hotel and spa in the village of Middleburg, Virginia. While her proposed Salamander Resort and Spa would eventually create dozens of jobs and pay millions in property and other taxes, the village government fought her every step of the way.

Her hard-earned wealth granted her few advantages. “None of that matters,” she told CNN in 2016. “As an African-American, they didn’t want me to do this. It was the fight of my life. I’ve never been more frightened in my life.”

Yet Johnson never backed down. “Change is always difficult, so there was inevitably going to be some opposition,” she shared in an email. The battle was so epic that it spanned a decade. 

Founded in 1787, Middleburg, a village of just 673 residents in the 2010 census renowned for its steeple chases and fox hunts, considers itself the “Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital”. Johnson, an area resident, certainly fit the theme. Proposed in 2002, the equestrian-inspired Salamander—with its riding trails and horse paddocks—kept to the town’s traditions. The nearly 350 acres Johnson purchased for Salamander was once owned by former U.S. ambassador Pamela Harriman, the celebrated horse lover who was a one-time daughter-in-law of Winston Churchill. Plus Johnson’s daughter, Paige, is an elite equestrian who competes all over the world.

“I was naïve about realizing that I was south of the Mason-Dixon Line and a lot of people got very nervous about this African American woman coming in and building this resort,” the 68-year-old Johnson admitted in an exclusive interview early in 2017. No stranger to racial discrimination, growing up, the Pennsylvania-born Johnson moved more than a dozen times before settling in Maywood, just outside Chicago, because her neurosurgeon father’s race frequently became an issue.

Those experiences taught Johnson a resilience that served her in that fight and even now. “I learned the life of hard knocks and racism but I was also able to assimilate into the different cultures and do what I had to do to make things work,” she said.

A woman of many firsts, Johnson was the first African American woman to achieve a reported net worth of $1 billion. She is the first African American woman to own three professional sports teams in three different leagues—the NBA’s Washington Wizards (where she serves as both president and managing partner), the NHL’s Washington Capitals and the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. She was even the first African American woman to become a cheerleader at her alma mater, the University of Illinois, where she is on track to receive an honorary doctorate in May 2018.

Johnson is also a renowned philanthropist. The Sheila C. Johnson Design School Center at the Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she serves on the Board of Governors, bears her name. At the Harvard Kennedy School, she endows the Sheila C. Johnson Leadership Fellowship to support emerging leaders primarily focused on erasing disparities in underserved African American communities. 

As an African American woman entrepreneur, Johnson has blazed new trails in the corporate-dominated hospitality industry. Boasting 168 guestrooms and suites, an on-site stable, a 23,000-square-foot spa and a cooking studio, Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, the crown jewel in her impressive constellation of almost ten hotels, has won coveted Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond honors. Johnson added Nopsi New Orleans to the Salamander Hotels and Resorts family in summer 2017 with Hotel Bennett in Charleston, South Carolina set to join summer 2018. 

Back in Middleburg, Johnson reports that “Salamander has certainly contributed to an economic upturn in the town through taxes, paying for water and wastewater treatment plants, and attracting visitors who frequent local businesses, including galleries, boutiques and wineries.”

Beth Erickson, Visit Loudoun’s president/CEO since 2014, cosigns Johnson’s impact. “When Sheila opened Salamander, it was the only new luxury destination resort in the United States that opened in 2013 and, by opening it alone, it created 400 jobs,” Erickson shared. “Occupancy taxes from Salamander have exceeded $1.3 million per year.”

“Some of those taxes,” reported Erickson, “went directly to improving sidewalks and crosswalks in Middleburg. It created revenue that allowed the town’s failing pipes to be replaced.”

An added bonus is through the Middleburg Film Festival, Johnson, who is also a film producer with ‘Lee Daniels’ The Butler’ among her credits, “has literally brought Hollywood to Loudoun County” according to Erickson. 

Held annually in October, Erickson said the festival has put “us on the map in the company of Cannes, Telluride, Sundance and that is wonderful company to keep.” ‘Mudbound’ and a talk with its acclaimed African American female director Dee Rees was a highlight of the 2017 festival. In 2016, the festival screened eventual Oscar winners ‘Moonlight’ and ‘La La Land.’

Throughout her life, Johnson, who epitomizes “black girl magic,” has thrived on excellence and challenging herself.  “I always try to look for areas in which we, as African Americans, do not do,” she said. “I just feel as though I can do it just as well, if not better.”

“I never used my race as an excuse to not be able to do something,” she said. Not with her fight in Middleburg. And not in life.

By John Coleman, Community Photographer

Monuments honoring and celebrating the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  his life, works and words continue to be conceived and constructed in concrete, bronze and steel; of water, wax and spray paint and     sited in hallowed places, such as among England’s most revered figures in Westminster Abbey in London (30 feet tall); hewed from America’s “Stone of Hope” on the National Mall in D.C.    (20 feet); Artfully presented as a flock of birds flying as one, “Free at Last”, at Boston University where Dr. King earned his PhD; or (9 feet) A universal figure, Dr. King here is an African Benin Chief, holding a Coptic Cross in one hand and an Indian Prayer Wheel in the other, in MLK Plaza, Chicago, IL; Or in Sweden; in Jerusalem; in Havana, Cuba; in Harlem or in San Bernardino.   Recognition and appreciation of/for Dr. King broadens and deepens, still, 50 years after his martyrdom.

Here in San Bernardino, the MLK Monument/Statue is located at 300 N D Street facing East in a small park that rises to the San Bernardino City Hall entrance. The park includes a fountain as water quietly flows over a bed of smooth river rock and the area around the statue where annual celebrations have been held since its beginning.

San Bernardino’s two-part 2018 Celebration of the life, works and words of Dr. King began hours earlier with a Community Awards Breakfast on the CSUSB campus which allowed time for travel several miles to Downtown before opening the celebration at the statue.

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

The Navy joins the nation in celebrating the history of African American Sailors and civilians during African American/Black History Month, February 1st to the 28th.

This year’s theme is “African Americans in Times of War,” which recognizes the contributions African Americans have made to the nation during times of war from the Revolutionary War to present-day conflicts. 

ALNAV 007/18 encourages commands to participate in heritage celebrations and special observances throughout the year that honor the contributions, unique histories and cultures Navy’s diverse Sailor and civilian team. 

This month’s observance has its origins in 1915 when historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Dr. Woodson and the association initiated the first Negro History Week in February 1926. Every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as National African American/Black History Month since 1976.

“We should celebrate our unique backgrounds because each Sailor brings something different to the fight and this makes us a stronger, more lethal team,” said Rear Adm. John Fuller, commander of the Carl Vinson Strike Group and one of Navy’s African American flag officers. The strike group is currently deployed to the Western Pacific.

African American Sailors and civilians play an integral role in the success of the Navy as part of the One Navy Team. African Americans serve in every rank from seaman to admiral and perform duties in nearly every rating in the Navy. Currently, African Americans make up 17 percent of all Navy personnel, or roughly 64,000 Sailors. This includes more than 58,000 enlisted and 5,000 officers. Further analysis shows 17 percent of E-8 and E-9 Sailors are African Americans that hold a range of leadership positions. Nearly four percent of flag officers are African American Sailors.

A breakdown by gender indicates there are currently over 45,000 African American males and more than 18,000 African American females currently serving in the Navy. 

“Those serving today owe our success to the veterans who transformed our Navy into a more diverse force,” said Fuller.

According to the September 2016 “One Navy Team” memo from Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John M. Richardson, actively being inclusive and open to diverse perspectives will produce leaders and teams who learn and adapt to achieve maximum possible performance, and who achieve and maintain high standards, be ready for decisive operations and combat. 

Diversity also influences various thoughts, ideas, skill sets, and experiences which ultimately helps increase the effectiveness of the Navy. Integrating Sailors and civilians from diverse backgrounds enables the Navy to recruit and retain the nation’s top talent from a wide pool of skilled personnel. 

The Navy supports minority youth development and encourages the pursuit of careers in science and industry through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. The Navy also partners with organizations including the National Naval Officers Association, the National Society of Black Engineers, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in support of African American service members and civilians. 

A complete educational presentation, including a downloadable educational poster on African American/Black History month, can be requested from the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) by email at deomipa@us.af.mil.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/

 

By Lue Dowdy

Belly Dance Instructor, Deeveatva Foy a.k.a. Zada is What It Do! 

The art of belly dance is a very sensual and seductive dance style. It has a way of memorizing people, especially with the sounds of the coin belt which is typically worn by belly dancers. It helps improve muscle tone, increase flexibility and range of motion while achieving better posture and a new sense of confidence and self-expression.

My girl Deeveatva Foy is a professional belly dance instructor that has been teaching over six years. She currently teaches a class at Infuse Dance Studio located in the city of Riverside off of University Street. I’ve been participating in her class for about two years now and I absolutely love it. It helps me to stay fit while getting my sexy back. She teaches the class two different choreographed pieces once a month. Deeveatva has a unique style and a way with people. She takes her time with you and allow you to feel comfortable and go at your own pace. 

Ladies if you’re looking for something different, I recommend this class. We meet every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. Help me wish Deeveatva Foy a happy birthday. For information please see flyer or contact Zada via face book. It’s okay to get yo’ shimmy on. 

Until next week L’s!

LOS ANGELES, CA- The 26th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) announced two exciting programming shifts this week, the addition of The Forgiven (Saban Films) as their new closing night selection, and the launch of their new #Talk4Reel panel series! Both moves are the perfect additions to an already must-see/must-do lineup of films, discussions, experiences and more!

“Our marquee film slate now stands anchored with the perfect beginning, middle and end,” shares PAFF  Director of Programming,  Asantewa Olatunji. ” Love Jacked” remains as our opening night, while The Forgiven gets added to closeout our festival experience. Nestled in-between is our centerpiece, which, this year, is a private screening event of 2018’s most anticipated film! Definitely not one to miss!” 

All marquee films will feature a star-studded red carpet, a full screening, an informative Q&A with filmmakers and talent, and a happening after-party.

2018 MARQUEE FILMS

OPENING NIGHT – LOVE JACKED

(World Premiere – 2017/Canada/South Africa/US)

Directed By: Alfons Adetuyi

Date: Thursday, February 8

Time: 6PM Red Carpet | 7PM Screening

A warm family comedy centered around Maya, a headstrong 28-year-old with artistic ambitions and her father Ed, who wants a dutiful daughter to run the family store. Ed is shocked when Maya, asserting her independence, decides to travel to Africa for inspiration and returns with a fiancé. Stars Amber Stevens-West, Shamier Anderson, Lyriq Bent, Keith David, Mike Epps, Marla Gibbs, Angela Gibbs, Demetrius Grosse and Nicole Lyn. Cast members will be present.

CENTERPIECE

**PRIVATE RED-CARPET SCREENING**

(2018/US)

Date: Wednesday, February 14

PAFF will host a private screening of 2018’s most anticipated film for PAFF founders, sponsors, partners, friends and esteemed influencers. Stay tuned to for more details!

CLOSING NIGHT – THE FORGIVEN

(US Premiere – 2017/South Africa/UK)

Directed By: Roland Joffé

Date: Sunday, February 18

Time:  5:45PM Red Carpet | 6:45PM Screening 

Academy Award® winner* Forest Whitaker and Eric Bana deliver riveting performances in this tense thriller based on real events. When Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Whitaker) is appointed to head a nationwide investigation, he’s summoned to a maximum-security prison by a notorious murderer seeking clemency (Bana). Inside the brutal prison walls, Tutu is drawn into a dangerous, life-changing battle with the cunning criminal in this captivating film from Oscar® nominated director** Roland Joffé. 

SPOTLIGHT FEATURES

Behind the Movement 

(2018/US/Narr)

Presented by  TVOne

Directed By: Aric Avelino

Date: Friday, February 9

Time: 7PM Red Carpet | 8PM Screening

Behind the Movement is a unique and fast-paced retelling of how Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat launched the history-making Montgomery Bus Boycott. The film will reveal the untold story of how a group of everyday people decided this incident was the right time to take a stand for their civil rights and demand equal treatment.

King of the Stage: The Woodie King, Jr. Story

(World Premiere – US/Doc) 

Directed By: Juney Smith

Date:  Saturday, February 10

Time:  6PM Red Carpet | 7:15PM Screening | 9PM Lifetime Achievement Presentation

Woodie King, Jr. is an African-American director and producer of stage and screen, as well as the founding director of the New Federal Theater in New York City. The Pan African Film & Arts Festival will present him with their coveted Lifetime Achievement Award.

Nothing Like Thanksgiving 

(World Premiere – US/Narr)

Directed By: Mark Harris

Date: Saturday, February 17

Time: 7:15PM Red Carpet | 8PM Screening

Having cancer and six months to live, sends Clayton Rockwell (William L. Johnson) a successful businessman, devoted husband and father on a journey to do the unthinkable. Clayton finds a replacement Wesley Madison (Richard Gallion) and grooms him to exactness to take over his business and family; all the while, Kenneth Swain (Darrin Henson) is working to take over his company. 

*Dates and times are subject to change. For an exhaustive list of screening events and experiences, click here:

https://www.paff.org/pdfs/2018/Screening_Schedule-2018-2.pdf.

PAFF LAUNCHES NEW #TALK4REEL PANEL SERIES OF CONVERSATIONS THAT AIM TO MOVE CULTURE AND CAREERS FORWARD!

The Pan African Film & Arts Festival has always been more than just movie screenings. It also serves as a platform to amplify the voices of industry powerhouses, community influencers, sports figures, cultural icons, thought leaders and disruptors who seek to educate, inspire and empower those who desire personal and professional elevation.

With that in mind, PAFF has officially launched its new #Talk4Reel panel series that makes necessary conversations happen… and when these conversations happen, you definitely want to be in the building! 

CHECK OUT OUR EXCITING #Talk4Reel LINEUP BELOW

Nate Parker Foundation Film Premiere Event

Sat, Feb.10 at 2:00pm-4:00pm

Through cinematic arts, the Nate Parker Foundation empowers young voices of African descent to advance social justice and revolutionize culture. Two films will be screened, #Hashtag and Baggage, followed by a discussion led by Nate Parker.

TV One: Social Justice Screenings and Community Forum

Sat, Feb.10 at 5:00pm

TV One will be screening two short films, Evidence of Innocence and Two Sides, followed by an intriguing panel discussion.

UMC Presents

Sat, Feb.10 at 8:00pm

A showcase of UMC original series featuring episodes and discussions with talent and content producers for four new shows.

Seed & Spark

Sun, Feb. 11 at 1:30pm

Join Seed & Spark founder, Emily Best, for a discussion on the future of filmmaking and distribution. Seed & Spark is an innovative new streaming service changing the way films are financed and distributed — equal parts streaming network and crowd-funding platform.  Screening films: Kingsley’s Crossing, Across the Track and Matter of Black.

The Quad – Presented by BET

Sun, Feb. 11 at 4:00pm

Exclusive screening of an upcoming episode BET’s hit series followed by a discussion with the cast and crew.

Black Studio Executives Talk

Thu, Feb. 15 at 7:15pm

The gates of Hollywood finally appear open to more diversity in its business suites as well as its content. Black studio executives participate in an informative discussion on green-lighting, producing and distributing Black content in the digital age. Moderator: Effie T. Brown (Producer); Confirmed Panelist: Moira Griffin (Fox) and more to be announced.

Sports and Activism Panel – Presented By NAMIC

Thu, Feb. 15 at 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Panelist: Marc Spears (SR. NBA Writer, The Undefeated), Galen Gordon (VP, Talent Management, NFL Network), Ramona Shelburne (Sr. Writer, ESPN.com) and LZ Granderson (Sr. Writer at ESPN and ABC Contributor).

Canal Street 

Fri, Feb. 16 at 7:00pm

A modern-day thriller telling the story of a teen, Kholi Styles, trying to get by in an unwelcoming new world. After the mysterious death of a classmate, all eyes fall on Kholi, and it’s up to his father, Jackie Styles, an up-and-coming lawyer from the slums of Chicago, to defend his son in court and battle an outraged public before time runs out. Jackie fights to keep his faith and prove his son is not the monster the world has made him out to be. Screening extended clips followed by discussion with director, cast and crew.

Talk4Reel: Secret Event

Sat, Feb.17 at 3:00pm

Extended movie trailer of a highly anticipated film followed by a discussion with the director, cast and crew. This is one major motion picture exclusive you won’t want to miss!

The Chi – Presented by Showtime

Sat, Feb.17 at 6:00pm

Exclusive screening of an upcoming episode of the SHOWTIME® Original Drama Series, THE CHI, from Emmy® winner Lena Waithe and Academy Award® winner Common. 

TRAFFIK – Presented by Codeblack Films

Sat, Feb. 17 at 9:00pm

Screening select scenes of the upcoming suspense thriller movie, TRAFFIK followed by a discussion with special guests. Directed by Deon Taylor and starring Paula Patton, Omar Epps and Laz Alonso.

Black Lightning

Mon, Feb. 19 at 6:50pm

Screening followed by discussion with talent and above the line crew on the hot new CW hit series. 

The 26th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival will take place  Thursday, February 8 through Monday, February 19  at the Cinemark Rave 15 Theatres/Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza   (3650 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd)  in Los Angeles, California.

To view the full schedule and complete lineups of PAFF Institute, StudentFest, Children’s Fest, ARTFest, PAFF Spoken Word, PAFF LOL and Senior Connections, click here: https://www.paff.org/pdfs/2018/Screening_Schedule-2018-2.pdf. 

For more details, ticket information and group sales, log on to  www.PAFF.org !

By Naomi K. Bonman